JP2022502136A - Beverage machine with actuation distributor - Google Patents

Abstract

The machine (1) for preparing and pouring a beverage has an actuating mechanism (5) including an actuator (57) and an actuating transmitter (50, 510, 520, 530) actuated by the actuator. The operation transmission unit has an operation distributor (50) operated by an actuator, a first operation output device (510) having a first input port (511), and a second input port (521). It has 2 operation output devices (520). The actuation distributor provides a first output port (50') for operating the first actuation output device through the first input port and a second actuation output device via the second input port. It has a second output port (50'') for operation. The first working output device and the second working output device are displaced in a non-identical manner through the first output port and the second output port. [Selection diagram] Fig. 7

Description

The field of the present invention relates to a beverage preparation machine comprising a working part of various different machine parts (eg, a machine using capsules of raw materials for the beverage to be prepared).

For the purposes of this specification, "beverage" is intended to include liquid substances edible by any person, such as tea, coffee, hot or cold chocolate, milk, soups, baby food. A "capsule" is a hermetically sealed package of any shape and structure, including any material, especially airtight packaging, such as plastic, aluminum, recyclable and / or biodegradable packaging, as well as soft pods or hard cartridges containing raw materials. It is intended to include any pre-ported beverage ingredients such as flavored ingredients in the packaging. Capsules can contain an amount of raw material for preparing a beverage for one person or a beverage for multiple people.

Some beverage preparation machines use capsules, which are raw materials to be extracted or dissolved, and / or raw materials that are stored in the machine and automatically added or added during the preparation of the beverage. Is housed. Some beverage machines have a filling means, the filling means including a pump for a liquid, which is usually water, where the pump is actually from a water source, cold water, or by a heating means such as a thermoblock. Pump the heated liquid.

In particular, in the field of coffee preparation, machines have been widely developed in which capsules containing beverage raw materials are inserted into a brewing device. The brewing device holds the capsule, water is injected into the capsule, the beverage is produced in the capsule, and the brewed beverage is drained from the capsule and collected in a receptor such as a cup or mug. can do.

The brewing device has been developed so that "new" capsules can be easily inserted and removed in use. Typically, the brewing device comprises two parts that are relatively mobile from a configuration for inserting / removing the capsule to a configuration for brewing the raw material in the capsule.

The operation of the moving part of the brewing device may be manual, which is International Publication No. 2009/043630, No. 01/15581, No. 02/43541, No. 2010/015427, No. It is disclosed in 2010/128109, 2011/144719, and 2012/032019. Various handle structures are available in European Patent No. 1867260, International Publication No. 2005/004683, 2007/135136, 2008/138710, 2009/074550, 2009/074553, No. It is disclosed in 2009/074555, 2009/0745557, 2009/0745559, 2010/037806, 2011/042400, 2011/042401 and 2011/144720. ing. Incorporation of such a configuration into a beverage machine is disclosed in International Publication Nos. 2009/074550, 2011/144719, 2016/083484, 2016/083485, and 2016/083488. Has been done.

The operation of the moving part of the brewing device may be electric. Such a system is disclosed, for example, in European Patent No. 1767129. In this case, the user does not need to do any manual work to open or close the brewing device. Alternative configurations for encapsulation are disclosed in WO 2012/093107 and 2013/127906. Another electric system is disclosed in International Publication Nos. 2012/025258, 2012/0252559, and 2013/127476.

Another example of the integration of the brewing device is disclosed in International Publication No. 2017/037212.

The system also has, for example, International Publication Nos. 2014/056810, 2014/056821, 2014/056862, 2014/060370, 2014/096120, 2014/096121, and so on. No. 2015/022342, No. 2015/022344, No. 2015/02234, No. 2015/082662, No. 2015/082663, No. 2015/082664, No. 2015/086371, No. As disclosed in 2015/155144 and 2015/155145, they may be configured to process capsules of different sizes.

In order to allow the user to interact with such a machine, for example, to provide operation instructions to the machine or to obtain feedback from the machine, as described in the references below. Systems are disclosed in the art: Austrian Patent No. 410377, Swiss Patent No. 682798, German Patent No. 4429353, German Patent No. 20200419, German Patent No. 202006019039, German Patent No. 200708590, European Patent No. No. 1448084, European Patent No. 1676509, European Patent No. 08155851.2, French Patent No. 2624844, British Patent No. 2397510, US Patent No. 4,377,049, US Patent No. 4,458,735, US Patent No. 4,554,419, US Patent No. 4,767,632, US Patent No. 4,954,697, US Patent No. 5,312,020, US Patent No. 5,335,705, US Pat. No. 5,372,061, US Pat. No. 5,375,508, US Pat. No. 5,645,230, US Pat. No. 5,685,435, US Pat. No. 5,731,981 US Patent No. 5,863,236, US Patent No. 5,959,869, US Patent No. 6,182,555, US Patent No. 6,354,341, US Patent No. 6,759,072, US Pat. 2006/090183, International Publication No. 2007/003062, International Publication No. 2007/003990, International Publication No. 2008/104751, International Publication No. 2008/138710, International Publication No. 2008/138820, International Publication No. 2010 / 003932, International Publication No. 2011/144720, and International Publication No. 2012/032019, and International Publication No. 2017/0372115.

As is evident from the prior art above, the beverage machine has a variety of functions, including raw material management, beverage processing, beverage dispensing and interface functions, that involve different machine parts that need to be activated at different times. Integrate.

Addressing the integration and coordination of different functions of beverage preparation machines that require operation at different time points is a preferred object (objet) of the present invention.

The present invention relates to a machine for preparing a beverage. The beverage preparation machine can be an in-home or out-of-home machine. The machine can be used for the preparation of coffee, tea, chocolate, cocoa, milk, soups, baby food and the like.

Beverage preparation typically involves mixing a plurality of beverage ingredients, such as mixing water and milk powder, and / or leaching the beverage ingredients, such as leaching with ground coffee or tea water. One or more of such raw materials can be supplied in non-solidified powder and / or aggregated powder form, and / or in liquid form, especially in concentrated form. Carriers or diluents such as water can be mixed with such raw materials to form beverages.

Typically, a predetermined amount of beverage corresponding to one serving (eg, one serving) is formed and dispensed according to the user's request. The amount for such a serving can be in the range of 25-200 mL, depending on the type of beverage, and can be, for example, up to 300 or 400 mL, which is the amount to fill the cup. Beverages formed and poured may be selected from listerot, espresso, lungo, cappuccino, latte macchiato, latte, Americano coffee, tea and the like. In particular, the coffee machine injects an espresso, eg, an adjustable amount of 20-60 mL per serving, and / or a Lungo, eg, an amount in the range of 70-150 mL per serving. Can be configured to put out.

The machine of the present invention is configured to prepare a beverage along a beverage processing line and inject the beverage from there.

Beverages can be prepared from capsules containing the ingredients of the beverage. The capsule may be of the type described above in the title "Technical Field" and / or the capsule may contain the raw materials described in the same title.

The capsule can include a capsule body, such as a generally linear or tapered body. The capsule may have a circular peripheral annular flange, eg, a flexible or rigid flange, extending from the periphery of the capsule body, eg, an edge or surface. Capsules can contain flavored ingredients for preparing tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cold chocolate, milk, soup or baby food.

The machine comprises an actuating mechanism having an actuator such as a motor (eg, an electric motor) and an actuation transmitter actuated by the actuator.

The operation transmission unit includes an operation distributor operated by an actuator, a first operation output device having a first input port, and a second operation output device having a second input port. The actuation distributor is connected to a first output port for operating the first actuation output device via a first input port connected to the first output port and a second output port connected to the second output port. It has a second output port for operating the second working output device through the two input ports, whereby the first working output device and the second working output device are the first. Displace in a non-identical manner through the output port and the second output port.

The actuation distributor may have a third output port for operating a third actuation output device having a third input port connected to the third output port, thereby the third. The actuation output device is displaced through the third input port in a manner that is not identical to the displacement of the first actuation output device and is not identical to the displacement of the second actuation output device.

Therefore, a single actuator can be used to displace different working output devices that can be moved in different ways and at different time points, thereby different machine parts driven by different working output devices. It can be operated to displace in an appropriate manner when needed.

The actuation distributor has at least one of the actuation output devices stationary during the drive passive period and displaced during the drive active period by the corresponding output port of the actuation distributor as the actuator drives the actuation distributor. It may be configured to do so.

A first actuation output device can be associated with a first drive passive period and an active period, and a second actuation output device can be associated with a second drive passive period and an active period, if present. The third actuation output device can be associated with a third drive passive period and active period. In such cases, the first driven passive period and active period may not be the same as the second driven passive period and active period, and if present, the third driven passive period and active period may be the second. It does not have to be the same as the driven passive period and the active period of 1, and may not be the same as the second driven passive period and the active period.

At least one output port and corresponding input port may be configured as a cam follower and cam mechanism, or as a gear mechanism such as a toothed gear. In such a toothed gear mechanism, the corresponding output and input ports are part of the transmission track (forming the displacement transmission portion and thus forming an active portion similar to the active portion discussed below). Partially toothed transmission track for mating and disengaging at another part of the transmission track (forming the absence of the displacement transmission part and thus exhibiting a passive part similar to the passive part discussed below). You may have a gear with.

At least one output port can form a cam, at least one input port can form a cam follower, and vice versa.

The at least one output port and the corresponding input port have a cam follower and a cam mechanism having a cam having a passive portion extending along the direction of movement of the cam and an active portion extending along a direction deviating from the direction of movement of the cam. be able to. For example, the passive portion extends along a direction concentric with the curvilinear movement of the cam, or the passive portion extends along a direction parallel to the linear movement of the cam.

Therefore, movement transmission between the output port and the input port may be triggered along the active portion and avoided along the passive portion.

The at least one output port may have an active portion with a first end and a second end, the first and second ends being in the passive portion at positions spaced apart from each other in the passive portion. It is in a row. For example, the active and passive portions are configured such that the input port is transferred from the passive portion to the active portion at the first end and is retained at the passive portion at the second end to pass through the active portion. Has been done.

The active portion may be relatively bypassed at the first end as the input port moves relative to the passive portion, and the input port enters the active portion at the second end.

The active portion may be relatively bypassed at the second end as the input port moves relative to the passive portion, and the input port enters the active portion at the first end.

Thus, the actuation output device can be moved (eg, back and forth) when the actuation distributor is driven in one direction and remains in place when the actuation distributor is driven in the opposite direction. be able to.

The active and passive parts may have one or more of the following configurations to guide the input port relative to the active and passive parts:
The active portion forms a slope between the first and second ends;
The active portion defines a step at the first and / or second end, or between the first end and the second end;
The passive portion defines a step at the first and / or second end, or between the first and second ends;
The passive portion forms a slope between the first end and the second end.

At least one input port may be urged against the corresponding output port. For example, at least one of the actuation output devices comprises a connecting member, which is urged against the corresponding output port, for example, by a spring or elastic portion between the input port and the connecting member. It is movably connected to the corresponding input port.

The actuated distributor may be rotationally moved by an actuator about the distributor axis and / or may be linearly moved along a linear direction. For example, the actuation distributor can be rotated first and then moved along a linear direction and optionally along the final curvilinear direction.

The at least one actuation output device is, for example, pivot and / or translation, and / or directly or indirectly, eg, pivot and / or translation, via a fixed or joint connection such as a cam connection. And / or indirectly connected to a rotatable and / or translatable device by a joint link with an output connector such as a cam connector and the displacement of the corresponding working output device when operated by the working distributor. May cause the rotatable and / or translatable device to be displaced relative to a stationary main machine housing and / or a stationary main machine frame. For example, each actuation output device is directly or indirectly connected to a corresponding rotatable and / or translatable device, and each rotatable and / or translatable device is operated by an actuation distributor. Due to the displacement of the corresponding actuation output device at the time, it is displaced relative to the stationary main machine housing and / or the stationary main machine frame.

The rotatable and / or translatable device can be a beverage pouring head. The head provides a beverage passage that is displaceable by the head's actuation output device over the pouring area, eg, via a fixed or joint connection such as a pivot and / or translation, and / or a cam connection. Can be defined. Such a pouring area may be defined by a support for supporting the user container (eg, cup or mug). The beverage dispenser head may be, for example, translated outwardly and displaced outward from the stationary main machine housing and / or the stationary main machine frame to dispense the beverage, and may be stationary to be stationary. It may be inwardly displaceable within the main machine housing and / or the stationary main machine frame.

Examples of rotatable and / or translatable beverage dispensing heads are International Publication No. 2009/043630, International Publication No. 2017/037212, International Publication No. 2017/0372115, PCT / EP18 / 064138, and PCT /. It is disclosed in EP18 / 064141.

The rotatable and / or translatable device may be a dripping stop, such as a dripping stop, that forms a guide for guiding the beverage from the beverage processing line to one or the above pouring area. This area may be defined by a support for supporting the user container (eg, cup or mug). The droplet stop can be arranged to guide the liquid residue to the waste collector. The drip stop is located between a position for pouring the beverage into the pouring area and a position for preventing such a beverage from pouring into the pouring area, eg, a stationary main machine housing and a stationary main machine housing. / Or translation and rotation with respect to the stationary main machine frame, eg, pivot and / or translation, and / or through a fixed or joint connection such as a cam connection, and / or pivot and / Or translational, and / or via a joint link having a connector such as a cam connector, may be displaceable by its corresponding actuation output device.

The drip stop (eg, guide) is downstream of the treatment line and has an infusion area and an inlet or receiving area configured to selectively guide the liquid to one or the waste collector described above. You may.

The dripping stop can have an outlet edge or outlet that is movable between a pouring position that guides the liquid to the pouring area and a collecting position that guides the liquid from the drop stop to the waste collector.

The drip stop can have a spout outlet edge or outlet configured to guide the beverage from the drip stop to the spout area. The droplet stop is a collector or a collector configured to collect or guide residual liquid from the drop stop inlet or receiving area to prevent the liquid from pouring into the pouring area. It can have a collection mechanism such as a collection outlet edge or an outlet.

Examples of the drip stop section are International Publication No. 2006/050769, 2012/072758, 2013/127907, 2016/050657, 2016/083488, 2018/06926, etc. And European Patent Application No. 2017208722.3.

Rotable and / or translatable devices, such as gates or doors or hatches, to selectively allow and prevent raw materials from entering and / or moving along the beverage processing line. Can be used as a beverage raw material barrier. The barrier is a raw material fed from outside the beverage processing line, eg, from outside such a machine, into the beverage processing line through the insertion passage, eg, into a raw material mixing unit, eg, into a capsule. May be configured to control the insertion of. For example, a beverage raw material barrier corresponds between a raw material holding position and a raw material release position, eg, via a fixed or joint connection such as a pivot and / or translation and / or a cam connection. A mechanical raw material barrier that can be displaced by an operational output device.

Details of suitable barriers for raw materials, such as raw materials supplied in capsules, are disclosed in WO 2012/126971, 2014/056641, 2014/506642, and 2015/086371. ing.

The machine is relatively mobile to form a raw material mixing chamber, eg, in a capsule, capable of processing raw materials, and, for example, in a capsule, mixes such raw materials. A raw material mixing unit having a first portion and a second portion that can be relatively moved away from each other can be included to allow introduction into the chamber and / or removal from the mixing chamber. ..

Examples of suitable mixing units having first and second parts that are relatively moved by a motor are European Patent No. 1767129, WO 2012/025258, WO 2012/0252559, WO 2012. It is disclosed in 2013/127461, International Publication No. 2014/056641, International Publication No. 2014/096122, International Publication No. 2014/0961232, International Publication No. 2015/155144, and International Publication No. 2015/155145. ..

At least one portion of the first and second parts is a tapered cavity, such as a conical or pyramidal cavity, or a linear cavity, such as a cylindrical or trapezoidal cavity, eg, a raw material in a capsule. The cavity for acceptance may be defined. Such a cavity may extend along an axis that is substantially in line with the straight axis in the longitudinal direction.

The other portion of these first and second portions can include an extraction plate, which is a plate with a puncture element for opening the flow-through surface of the capsule, or a pre-capsule. A non-penetrating plate for cooperating with an open flow surface or a self-opening flow surface.

Self-opening capsules are disclosed, for example, in Swiss Patent No. 605293 and International Publication No. 03/059778.

The opening of the capsule by the puncture element of the plate of the machine is disclosed, for example, in European Patents 51470 and 2068684.

Examples of suitable mixing units with mixing chambers are disclosed in WO 2008/037642 and 2013-026843.

Flavored beverages, for example, by circulating a carrier liquid such as water (using a liquid drive (eg, a pump)) into the capsule, for example, the relative direction of movement of the first and second parts of the mixing module. The liquid can be prepared to flavor by exposure to the flavored raw material held in the capsule in an extraction direction that may be substantially parallel to.

When using a closed capsule, the first and second portions can include a capsule opening device such as a blade and / or a tearing tool, eg a plate with a tearing shape, as known from Nespresso ™ machines, eg. Such as, or as disclosed in European Patent Nos. 0512470, 2068684, and International Publication No. 2014/076041 and the references cited therein.

The machine may have a transfer channel for supplying raw materials to the mixing unit. The channel may extend to a waste collector, eg, a removable waste collector.

The interactions between the first and second parts (and optionally the transfer passage) and the raw material capsules are International Publication Nos. 2005/004683, 2007/135135, 2007/135136, 2008. It may be the type disclosed in / 037642 and 2013/026856.

The first and second parts of the mixing unit are via additional actuation transmissions (eg, gears or spur gears, and / or cam followers and cam transmissions) by additional actuators such as motors and / or user handles. It can be moved relatively. The first and second parts may be operable separately from the actuation of the actuation distributor. In this case, the operation of the first and second parts may be of a known type.

Beverage processing lines can include liquid inlet passages such as water inlet passages that can be connected to liquid sources such as supply tanks and / or external liquid supply lines.

The beverage processing line can incorporate a pump for driving the liquid along the beverage processing line, for example, a liquid driving device such as a solenoid pump or a diaphragm pump.

The beverage processing line may include a thermal conditioner such as a heater and / or a cooler for thermally adjusting the liquid flowing along the processing line. For example, the conditioner is a batch type conditioner such as a boiler, or a flow conditioner such as a thermoblock or an instant heater.

The thermal conditioner may be a boiler or thermoblock or on-demand heater (ODH), such as the type of ODH disclosed in European Patents 12538444, 1380243, and 1809151.

Examples of pumps and their incorporation into beverage machines are disclosed in WO 2009/150030, 2010/108700, 2011/107574, and 2013/098173.

The beverage processing line can incorporate one or the above-mentioned raw material mixing unit having one or the above-mentioned mixing chamber, and within the mixing chamber, at least two raw materials such as water and coffee, tea, coca, etc. Carrier liquids and additives, such as flavored ingredients selected from at least one of milk, baby food, and soup concentrate, are mixed to form a beverage.

The beverage processing line can include a beverage outlet for pouring the beverage from the beverage processing line towards one or the above pouring area. The area may be defined by a support for supporting the user container (eg, cup or mug). For example, the beverage is dispensed through one or the above-mentioned dripping stop and / or one or one of the above-mentioned beverage dispensing heads or the above-mentioned beverage passage.

The machine typically includes a control unit.

The control unit can have a control circuit, eg, one or the liquid drive and / or one or the control circuit for controlling the thermal conditioner. The control circuit may include a microcontroller and / or a microprocessor.

The control unit may include a raw material sensor such as a raw material capsule sensor.

Details of suitable capsule sensors are described in International Publication No. 2012/1243440, No. 2014/147128, No. 2015/173285, No. 2015/173289, No. 2015/173292, No. 2016/005352. , 2016/005417, PCT / EP18 / 065613, European Patent No. 3275345, and European Patent No. 3275346.

The control unit may incorporate a user interface (such as another user interface connected to the control circuit above). User interfaces are known, for example, as disclosed in International Publication Nos. 2010/03786, 2011/020779, 2016/083485, 2017/037215, and PCT / EP18 / 064138. It may be of any kind.

The control unit may have a sensor for sensing the presence of another user container (eg, cup or mug) in which the beverage is poured from the beverage processing line or in the area. Such a configuration is disclosed, for example, in International Publication No. 2018/046400.

The machine can have one or the resting main machine housing and / or the outer surface of the resting main machine frame defining the pouring area. The area may be defined by a support for supporting the user container (eg, cup or mug). For example, the support is a support device connected to a stationary main machine housing and / or a stationary main machine frame, or is outside such a machine, and such machine prepares and dispenses beverages. Formed by a support device placed on top of it. Typically, the external support device has a generally horizontal surface for arranging such machines, and the device is, for example, a table or a shelf.

The user container support may be associated with a drip tray, eg, a drip tray that supports the support, and / or to allow placement of user containers of different heights under the outlet at the outlet. It may be movable with respect to the housing vertically at the bottom and / or away from under the exit.

Examples of suitable container supports are European Patent No. 0548987, 1440639, 1731065, 1867260, US Pat. No. 5161455, 5353692, International Publication No. 2009/074557, the same. 2009/074559, 2009/135869, 2011/154492, 2012/007313, and 2013/186339, European Patent Application Publication Nos. 2014198710, 2014/198712, No. It is disclosed in 2014 No. 198715.

The machine can have a waste collector for collecting waste from the beverage processing line. The waste receiver is a used raw material removed from one or the above mixing chamber during beverage processing, eg, a used raw material capsule, and / or one or from one or the above mixing chamber, and / or one or the above. It may be configured in the machine to collect the liquid residue from one or the above-mentioned beverage outlet through the drip stop of the above.

Examples of suitable waste collectors for carrying out the present invention are European Patent No. 1867260, International Publication No. 2009/0745559, International Publication No. 2009/135869, International Publication No. 2010/128109, International Publication No. It is disclosed in 2011/086087, International Publication No. 2011/086088, International Publication No. 2017/118713, International Publication No. 2017/148965, and European Patent No. 2018156589.

Here, the present invention will be described with reference to a schematic diagram.

It is a perspective view form on the machine according to the present invention, which has a beverage pouring head in a stationary position. FIG. 3 is a side view of the machine of FIG. 1 in which the beverage dispensing head is located at a position for pouring the beverage into the user container through the dispensing area. It is sectional drawing of the machine shown in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the machine shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a side view of an actuating mechanism having an actuator, an actuation distributor, and a plurality of actuation output devices configured to actuate a rotatable and / or translatable device of the machines of FIGS. 1 to 4. Mechanisms (actuators, actuation distributors, and actuation output devices) are not shown in FIGS. 1-4. It is a perspective view of the same actuating mechanism (shown without its actuator) and rotatable and / or translatable devices in different positions. It is a perspective view of the same actuating mechanism (shown without its actuator) and rotatable and / or translatable devices in different positions. It is a perspective view of the same actuating mechanism (shown without its actuator) and rotatable and / or translatable devices in different positions. It is a perspective view of the same actuating mechanism (shown without its actuator) and rotatable and / or translatable devices in different positions. It is a side view of the operation distributor and the operation output device of the machine which displaces the beverage pouring head to different positions. It is a side view of the operation distributor and the operation output device of the machine which displaces the beverage pouring head to different positions. It is a side view of the operation distributor and the operation output device of the machine which displaces the beverage pouring head to different positions. It is a side view of the operation distributor and the operation output device of the machine which displaces the beverage raw material barrier to different positions. It is a side view of the operation distributor and the operation output device of the machine which displaces the beverage raw material barrier to different positions. It is a side view of the operation distributor and the operation output device of the machine which displaces the beverage raw material barrier to different positions. It is a side view of a part of the operation distributor and the operation output device of the machine which displaces the drip stop portion to different positions. It is a side view of a part of the operation distributor and the operation output device of the machine which displaces the drip stop portion to different positions. It is a side view of a part of the operation distributor and the operation output device of the machine which displaces the drip stop portion to different positions.

1 to 18 show, for example, an example of a beverage machine 1 for preparing a beverage prepared from a capsule 2 containing raw materials for a beverage along a beverage processing line 43', 61 and pouring the beverage from the beverage processing lines 43', 61. Embodiment is shown. See FIGS. 1 to 4.

Therefore, the raw material may be supplied, for example, in the form of a raw material capsule 4 of the type described above in the header "Technical Field".

The machine 1 has an actuating mechanism 5 including an actuator 57 such as a motor (for example, an electric motor) and an actuating transmission unit 50, 510, 520, 530 actuated by the actuator 57. See FIGS. 5-9.

The operation transmission unit 50, 510, 520, 530 has an operation distributor 50 operated by the actuator 57, a first operation output device 510 having a first input port 511, and a second input port 521. The operation output device 520 of 2 is provided. The actuation distributor 50 has a first output port 50'for operating the first actuation output device 510 via a first input port 511 connected to the first output port 50'and a second. It has a second output port 50'' for operating the second operational output device 520 via the second input port 521 connected to the output port 50''. The first actuated output device 510 and the second actuated output device 520 are displaced in a non-identical manner via the first and second output ports 50', 50'. The actuation distributor 50 has a third output port 50'''' for operating a third actuation output device 530 having a third input port 531 connected to a third actuation output port 50''''. It may have, whereby the third actuated output device 530 is not identical to the displacement of the first actuated output device 510 and is not identical to the displacement of the second actuated output device 520. Displaced through the input port 531 of 3. See FIGS. 5-18.

In the actuation distributor 50, when the actuator 57 drives the actuation distributor 50, at least one of the actuation output devices 510, 520, 530 has the corresponding output ports 50', 50'', of the actuation distributor 50. By 50''', it may be configured to be stationary during the drive passive period and displaced during the drive active period (FIGS. 6-9).

The first operational output device 510 can be associated with a first drive passive period (FIGS. 10-10) and a first active period (FIGS. 11-12). The second actuation output device 520 can be associated with a second drive passive period (FIGS. 13-14) and a second active period (FIGS. 14-15). If present, the third actuation output device 530 can be associated with a third drive passive period (FIGS. 18-16) and a third active period (with respect to FIG. 17). The first driven passive period and active period may not be the same as the second driven passive period and active period, and if present, the third driven passive period and active period may be the first driven passive period and active period. It does not have to be the same as the active period, and it does not have to be the same as the second driven passive period and the active period (FIGS. 6 to 9).

The at least one output port 50', 50'', 50''' and the corresponding input ports 511, 521, 513 are as cam followers and cam mechanisms 50', 511; 50'', 521; 50'''', and 513. , Or a gear mechanism such as a toothed gear, eg, a partially toothed transmission for engaging and disengaging the corresponding output and input ports in one part of the transmission track and disengaged in another part of the transmission track. It may be configured as a toothed gear mechanism with gears having trucks. For example, at least one output port 50 ″, 50 ″, 50 ″ ″ forms a cam and at least one input port 511, 521, 513 forms a cam follower. See FIGS. 6-18.

At least one output port 50', 50'', 50''' and the corresponding input ports 511, 521, 513 are concentric with the curved movement of the cams 50', 50'', 50'''. Passive portion 50a extending along the direction of movement 51 of the cam 50', 50'', 50''', such as a passive portion extending along or a passive portion extending along a direction parallel to the linear movement of the cam. Cams 50', 50'', 50 with', 50a'', 50a''' and active portions 50b', 50b'', 50b'''' extending in a direction deviating from the direction of movement 51 of the cam. It may have a cam follower and a cam mechanism with''''. See FIGS. 10-10.

At least one output port 50'''' may have an active portion 50b'''' with a first end 50c1 and a second end 50c2, a first end 50c1 and a second end. The portion 50c2 is connected to the passive portion 50a'''' at a position separated from each other by the passive portion 50a''. For example, in the active portion 50b'''' and the passive portion 50a'''', the input port 531 is moved from the passive portion 50a'''' to the active portion 50b'''' at the first end 50c1 and the second end. In the portion 50c2, it is configured to be fastened to the passive portion 50a'' in order to pass through the active portion 50b''''. See FIGS. 16-18.

The active portion may be relatively bypassed at the first end as the input port moves relative to the passive portion, and the input port enters the active portion at the second end.

The active portion 50b'''may be bypassed at the second end 50c2 as the input port 531 moves relative to the passive portion 50a'', and the input port 531 is the first. Enter the active portion 50b'''' at the end 50c1.

The active portion 50b'''' and the passive portion 50a'''' have one or more of the following configurations to guide the input port 531 relative to the active portion 50b'''' and the passive portion 50a''''. May:
The active portion 50b'''forms a slope between the first end 50c1 and the second end 50c2;
The active portion 50b''' defines a step at the first and / or second end 50c1 or between the first end and the second end;
The passive portion 50a'''' defines a step 50c3 at the first and / or second ends 50c1, 50c2, or between the first and second ends; and the passive portion. The 50a'''' forms an inclination between the first end 50c1 and the second end 50c2. See FIGS. 16-18.

At least one input port 531 may be urged to the corresponding output port 50 ″. For example, at least one of the actuation output devices 530 has a connecting member 533, and the connecting member has a corresponding output port 50'', for example, by a spring 532 or an elastic portion between the input port 531 and the connecting member 533. It is movably connected to the corresponding input port 531 urged to'. See FIGS. 16-18.

The actuated distributor 50 may be rotationally moved by the actuator 57 about the distributor shaft 50d and / or may be linearly moved along a linear direction. See FIG.

The at least one actuating output device 510, 520, 530 is directly or indirectly via, for example, a pivot and / or translation, and / or a fixed or joint connection such as a cam connection 515, 525, 535. , For example, pivotally and / or translate, and / or indirectly connect to rotatable and / or translateable devices 10, 15, 20 by a joint link 530a having an output connector 535'such as a cam connector 535'. The devices 10, 15, 20 which are relatively rotatable and / or translatable by the displacement of the corresponding actuation output devices 510, 520, 530 when operated by the actuation distributor 50, are stationary main. It may be displaced with respect to the machine housing 1'and / or the stationary main machine frame 1''. For example, each actuating output device 510, 520, 530 is directly or indirectly connected to the corresponding rotatable and / or translatable device 10, 15, 20 and the respective rotatable and / or translatable device 10. , 15, 20 relative to the stationary main machine housing 1'and / or the stationary main machine frame 1'' due to the displacement of the corresponding actuation output devices 510, 520, 530 when operated by the actuation distributor 50. Is relatively displaced. See FIGS. 5-9.

The at least one rotatable and / or translatable device 10, 15, 20 can be the beverage pouring head 10. Such a head 10 is placed, for example, in a pivot and / or on a pouring area 3 such as a region 3 defined by supports 30, 31 for supporting a user container 4 (eg, a cup or mug). The drink passage 11 displaceable by the actuating output device 510 of the head can be defined via translation and / or a fixed connection such as a cam connection 515 or a joint connection. See FIGS. 1-12.

The beverage dispensing head 10 may be, for example, translated and displaced outward from the stationary main machine housing 1'and / or the stationary main machine frame 1'' to dispense the beverage. .. The beverage pouring head 10 may be inwardly displaceable within the stationary main machine housing 1 ′ and / or the stationary main machine frame 1 ″ to rest. See FIGS. 1 to 4.

At least one rotatable and / or translatable device 10, 15, 20 may be a drop stop 15. The dripping stop 15 is located in one of the regions defined by the supports 30, 31 for supporting the user container 4 such as a cup or mug, or in the above-mentioned pouring region 3, the beverage processing lines 43', 61. Guides may be formed to guide the beverage from the waste collector 65 and to guide the liquid residue to the waste collector 65. For example, the drip stop portion 15 is stationary, for example, between a position for pouring the beverage into the pouring region 3 and a position for preventing such a beverage from pouring into the pouring region 3. Translation and rotation with respect to the main machine housing 1'and / or stationary main machine frame 1', for example pivot and / or translation, and / or fixed or articulated connections such as cam connection 535. Displaceable by its actuated output device 530 via a portion and / or via a pivot and / or translation, and / or a joint link 530a having a connector 535'such as a cam connector 535'. See FIGS. 3-9 and 16-18.

At least one rotatable and / or translatable device 10, 15, 20 chooses to allow the raw material 2 to enter and / or move along the beverage processing lines 43', 61. It can be a beverage raw material barrier 20 such as a gate or door or hatch to enable and prevent. The barrier 20 is from the outside of the beverage processing lines 43', 61, for example, from the outside of such a machine 1 into the beverage processing lines 43', 61 via the insertion passage 21, eg, in the raw material mixing unit 40. It may be configured to control the insertion of raw materials into, for example, supplied into the capsule 2. For example, the beverage raw material barrier 20 is such that between the raw material holding position and the raw material releasing position, for example, via a pivot and / or translation, and / or a fixed connection or joint connection such as a cam connection 525. A mechanical raw material barrier 20 displaceable by the actuation output device 520. See FIGS. 1-9 and 13-15.

The machine 1 has a first portion 41 and a second portion 42 that are relatively movable together to form a raw material mixing chamber 43, eg, in a capsule 2, capable of processing raw materials. The raw material mixing unit 40 having the above can be included. The first and second portions 41, 42 are relative apart so as to allow introduction and / or removal of the raw material from the mixing chamber 43, eg, fed into the capsule 2. It may be movable to. See FIGS. 1 to 4.

The first and second portions 41, 42 of the mixing unit 40 are via additional actuation transmissions 45 (eg, gears or spur gears, and / or cam followers and cam transmissions), such as motors and / or user handles. It can be relatively moved by a further actuator 44 of. The first and second portions 41, 42 may be operable separately from the actuation of the actuation distributor 50. See FIGS. 3 and 4.

Beverage processing lines 43', 61 can include a liquid inlet passage 61, such as a water inlet passage, that can be connected to a liquid source such as a supply tank 60 and / or an external liquid supply line.

Beverage processing lines 43', 61 may have a pump for driving the liquid along the beverage processing lines 43', 61, for example, a liquid driving device 62 such as a solenoid pump or a diaphragm pump.

Beverage processing lines 43', 61 may include a thermal conditioner 63, such as a heater and / or cooler, for thermally conditioning the liquid flowing along the processing lines 43', 61. For example, the conditioner 63 is a batch type conditioner such as a boiler, or a flow conditioner such as a thermoblock or an instant heater.

Beverage processing lines 43', 61 can incorporate one or the above-mentioned raw material mixing unit 40 having one or the above-mentioned mixing chamber 43, and within the mixing chamber 43, with at least two raw materials such as water. The carrier liquid and the additive 2 are mixed to form a beverage, such as coffee, tea, coca, milk, baby food, and flavored ingredients selected from at least one of soup concentrates.

The beverage processing lines 43', 61 may be provided with a beverage outlet 43'for pouring the beverage from the beverage processing lines 43', 61 toward one or the above-mentioned pouring area 3. Region 3 may be defined by supports 30, 31 for supporting the user container 4 (eg, cup or mug). Beverages are delivered from the beverage outlet 43'to region 3 via one or the above-mentioned dripping stop 15, and / or via one or one of the above-mentioned beverage injection heads 10 or the above-mentioned beverage passage 11. It may be poured out.

Machine 1 typically has control units 46, 47, 48, 49. The control unit includes a control circuit 46, for example, a control circuit for controlling one or the above-mentioned liquid driving device 62 and / or one or the above-mentioned thermal conditioner 63, a raw material sensor 47 such as a raw material capsule sensor, and one. Alternatively, one of the beverages being dispensed from a user interface 48 such as the user interface 48 connected to the control circuit 46 described above, a beverage processing line 43', 61, or a user container 4 (eg, a cup or mug) in the region 3 described above. ) Can be included in at least one of the sensors 49 for sensing the presence of. See FIG.

The machine 1 can have one or the outer surface 1a of the stationary main machine housing 1'and / or the stationary main machine frame 1'" defining the above-mentioned pouring area 3. The region may be defined by supports 30, 31 for supporting the user container 4 (eg, cup or mug). The support may be a support device 30 connected to a stationary main machine housing 1'and / or a stationary main machine frame 1'', or is outside such a machine 1 and such. The machine 1 may be formed by a support device 31 placed on top for preparing and pouring the beverage. The latter support 31 can be an external support device 31 having a generally horizontal surface for arranging such a machine 1, such as a table or shelf. See FIG.

The machine 1 can have a waste collector 65 for collecting waste from the beverage processing lines 43', 61. The collector 65 is a used raw material removed from one or the above-mentioned mixing chamber 43 during the beverage processing, such as the used raw material capsule 2, and / or one or one from the above-mentioned mixing chamber 43 and / or one. Alternatively, it may be configured as a waste receiver for collecting one or the liquid residue from the above-mentioned beverage outlet 43'through the above-mentioned dripping stop 15. In particular, see FIGS. 3 and 4.

Claims (15)

To prepare a beverage such as the beverage prepared from the capsule (2) containing the raw material of the beverage along the beverage processing line (43', 61) and dispense from the beverage processing line (43', 61). Machine (1)
The machine (1) has an actuating mechanism (5) having an actuator (57) such as a motor, for example, an electric motor, and an actuating transmission unit (50, 510, 520, 530) actuated by the actuator (57). In the machine, equipped with
The operation transmission unit (50, 510, 520, 530) is a first operation output device (510) having an operation distributor (50) operated by the actuator (57) and a first input port (511). ) And a second actuating output device (520) having a second input port (521).
The actuation distributor (50) operates the first actuation output device (510) via the first input port (511) connected to the first output port (50'). For operating the second operation output device (520) via the output port (50') of 1 and the second input port (521) connected to the second output port (50 ″). With the second output port (50 ″),
The first operational output device (510) and the second operational output device (520) are not the same via the first output port (50') and the second output port (50 ″). Displace in no way,
Optionally, said actuation distributor (50) operates a third actuation output device (530) having a third input port (531) connected to a third output port (50'''). It has the third output port (50''') for making it
The third operation output device (530) is not the same as the displacement of the first operation output device (510), and is not the same as the displacement of the second operation output device (520). A machine (1) characterized by being displaced through a third input port (531). In the actuation distributor (50), when the actuator (57) drives the actuation distributor (50), at least one of the actuation output devices (510, 520, 530) is the actuation distributor. The corresponding output ports (50', 50'', 50''') of (50) are configured to be stationary during the drive passive period and displaced during the drive active period.
Optionally, the first actuation output device (510) is associated with a first drive passive period and an active period, and the second actuation output device (520) has a second drive passive period. And the active period, and if present, the third actuating output device (530) is associated with a third drive passive period and active period.
The first driven passive period and active period are not the same as the second driven passive period and active period, and if present, the third driven passive period and active period is the first driven passive period. And not the same as the active period and not the same as the second driven passive period and the active period.
The machine according to claim 1. At least one output port (50', 50'', 50''') and corresponding input port (511, 521, 513) are cam followers and cam mechanisms (50', 511; 50'', 521; 50'. '' 513), or a gear mechanism such as a toothed gear, eg, the corresponding output port and the input port are engaged in one part of the transmission track and in another part of the transmission track. It is configured as a toothed gear mechanism with gears having a partially toothed transmission track for release.
For example, at least one output port (50', 50'', 50''') forms a cam, and at least one input port (511, 521, 513) forms a cam follower.
The machine according to claim 1 or 2. The at least one output port (50', 50'', 50''') and the corresponding input port (511, 521, 513) are curved cams (50', 50'', 50'''). Of the cam (50', 50'', 50'''), such as a passive portion extending along a direction concentric with movement, or a passive portion extending along a direction parallel to the linear movement of the cam. A passive portion (50a', 50a'', 50a''') extending along the moving direction (51) and an active portion (50b', 50b') extending along a direction deviating from the moving direction (51) of the cam. It has a cam follower and a cam mechanism with said cams (50', 50'', 50''') with'', 50b''').
The machine according to claim 3. At least one output port (50''') has an active portion (50b'''') having a first end (50c1) and a second end (50c2).
The first and second ends (50c1, 50c2) are connected to the passive portion (50a'''') at positions separated from each other by the passive portion (50a'''').
Optionally, the active portion (50b''') and the passive portion (50a''') have the input port (531) at the first end (50c1) of the passive portion (50a'''. '') To the active portion (50b''''), and at the second end (50c2), the passive portion (50a'''' to pass through the active portion (50b''''). ) Is configured to be fastened,
The machine according to claim 4. The active portion is relatively bypassed at the first end as the input port moves relative to the passive portion, and the input port is at the second end. Enter the part or
The active portion (50b''') is passed through the second end (50c2) as the input port (531) moves relative to the passive portion (50a'''). , The input port (531) enters the active portion (50b''') at the first end (50c1).
The machine according to claim 5. The active portion (50b'''') and the passive portion (50a'''') make the input port (531) relative to the active portion (50b'''') and the passive portion (50a''''). To lead to the following configuration:
The active portion (50b''') forms a slope between the first end (50c1) and the second end (50c2);
The active portion (50b''') defines a step at the first and / or second ends (50c1, 50c2) or between the first end and the second end. is doing;
The passive portion (50a''') is at the first and / or second ends (50c1, 50c2) or between the first end and the second end (50c3). ); And the passive portion (50a''') forms an inclination between the first end (50c1) and the second end (50c2).
Have one or more of
The machine according to claim 5 or 6. At least one input port (531) is urged against the corresponding output port (50'''), for example, at least one (530) of the actuated output devices is a connecting member (530). 533), wherein the connecting member is attached to the corresponding output port (50''') by, for example, a spring (532) or an elastic portion between the input port (531) and the connecting member (533). Movably connected to the corresponding input port (531) urged against it.
The machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The actuated distributor (50) is rotationally moved by the actuator (57) about the distributor shaft (50d) and / or linearly moved along a linear direction.
The machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The at least one actuation output device (510, 520, 530) may be via, for example, a pivot and / or translation, and / or a fixed or joint connection such as a cam connection (515, 525, 535). Directly or indirectly, for example, pivot and / or translation, and / or indirectly rotatable and / or translation by a joint link (530a) having an output connector (535') such as a cam connector (535'). Rotable and / Or the translatable device (10, 15, 20) is designed to be displaced relative to the stationary main machine housing (1') and / or the stationary main machine frame (1 ″). ,
Optionally, each actuated output device (510, 520, 530) is directly or indirectly connected to the corresponding rotatable and / or translatable device (10, 15, 20) and has its own rotation. The possible and / or translatable device (10, 15, 20) is a stationary main machine due to the displacement of the corresponding working output device (510, 520, 530) when operated by the working distributor (50). Displace relative to the housing (1') and / or the stationary main machine frame (1 ″),
The machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The at least one rotatable and / or translatable device (10, 15, 20) is
For example, on a pouring area (3) such as a region (3) defined by a support (30, 31) for supporting a user container (4) such as a cup or mug, for example, pivot and / or. Alternatively, the head (10) defines a displaceable beverage passage (11) by the actuating output device (510) of the head via a translational and / or fixed connection or joint connection such as a cam connection (515). ), Etc., for optionally translating, for example, the stationary main machine housing (1') and / or the stationary main. Displaceable outward from the machine frame (1 ″) and inward into the stationary main machine housing (1 ′) and / or the stationary main machine frame (1 ″) to rest. Displaceable, beverage pouring head (10),
For example, the beverage processing line (43', A dripping stop (15) such as a dripping stop that forms a guide for guiding the beverage from 61) and for guiding the liquid residue to the waste collector (65), optionally. Between the position for pouring the beverage into the pouring area (3) and the position for preventing the beverage from pouring into the pouring area (3), for example, the stationary. Translation and rotation with respect to the main machine housing (1') and / or the stationary main machine frame (1 ″), such as pivot and / or translation, and / or cam connection (535). The drop through a fixed or articulated connection and / or via a pivot and / or translation, and / or a joint link (530a) having a connector (535') such as a cam connector (535'). The dripping stop (15) and the raw material (2), which are displaceable by the actuation output device (530) of the stop (15), enter the beverage processing line (43', 61) and / or the beverage processing. A beverage raw material barrier (20), such as a gate or door or hatch, for selectively allowing and preventing movement along a line (43', 61), eg, said barrier (20). However, from the outside of the beverage processing line (43', 61), for example, from the outside of the machine (1), into the beverage processing line (43', 61) via the insertion passage (21), for example. , The beverage raw material barrier (20) is optionally configured to control the insertion of the raw material into the raw material mixing unit (40), eg, into the capsule (2). The beverage raw material barrier (20) between the holding position and the raw material release position, eg, via a pivot and / or translation, and / or a fixed connection or joint connection such as a cam connection (525). Beverage raw material barrier (20), which is a mechanical raw material barrier (20) displaceable by the actuation output device (520).
Selected from,
The machine according to claim 10. For example, in the capsule (2), which can be relatively movable together to form a raw material mixing chamber (43) capable of processing the raw material, and, for example, in the capsule (2). A first portion (41) that is relatively mobile away to allow the raw material to be introduced into and / or removed from the mixing chamber (43). And a raw material mixing unit (40) having a second portion (42).
The machine according to any one of claims 1 to 11. The first and second portions (41, 42) of the mixing unit (40) are via additional actuation transmissions (45), such as gears or spur gears, and / or cam followers and cam transmissions. Relatively moved by a motor and / or a further actuator (44) such as a user handle, the first and second portions (41, 42) act separately from the actuation of the actuation distributor (50). It is possible,
The machine according to claim 12. The beverage processing line (43', 61) is
A liquid inlet passage (61), such as a water inlet passage, which can be connected to a liquid source such as a supply tank (60) and / or an external liquid supply line.
A liquid driving device (62), such as a pump, eg, a solenoid pump or a diaphragm pump, for driving the liquid along the beverage processing line (43', 61).
A thermal conditioner (63) such as a heater and / or a cooler for thermally adjusting the liquid flowing along the processing line (43', 61), for example, a batch type such as a boiler. A thermal conditioner (63), which is a conditioner or a flow conditioner such as a thermoblock or an instant heater.
One or said raw material mixing unit (40) having one or said mixing chamber (43), within said mixing chamber (43), at least two raw materials such as water and coffee, tea, coca. , Milk, baby food, and flavor ingredients selected from at least one of the soup concentrates, the carrier liquid and the additive are mixed to form the beverage, one or the mixture of the ingredients. The unit (40), and optionally through one or the dripping stop (15), and / or one or the beverage passage (11) of the beverage pouring head (10). Through the beverage processing line (43', 61), one or said note, such as a region defined by a user vessel (4), eg, a support (30, 31) for supporting a cup or mug. Beverage outlet (43') for pouring the beverage toward the exit area (3),
Equipped with at least one of
The machine according to any one of claims 1 to 13. For example, a control circuit (46) such as a control circuit for controlling one or the liquid drive device (62) and / or one or the thermal conditioner (63), a raw material sensor (47) such as a raw material capsule sensor. A user interface (48), such as a user interface (48) connected to one or the control circuit (46), one or the region (3) to which the beverage is dispensed from the beverage processing line (43', 61). ) With a control unit (46, 47, 48, 49) such as a control unit comprising at least one of a user container (4), eg, a sensor (49) for sensing the presence of a cup or mug. ,
One or said stationary defining one or said pouring area (3), such as a region defined by a user vessel (4), eg, a support (30, 31) for supporting a cup or mug. The outer surface (1a) of the main machine housing (1') and / or the stationary main machine frame (1 ″), optionally the support is the stationary main machine housing (1'). ) And / or a support device (30) connected to the stationary main machine frame (1 ″) or an external support device (31) having a generally horizontal surface for arranging the machine (1). ), Etc., an outer surface (1) external to the machine (1) and formed by a support device (31) on which the machine (1) is placed to prepare and dispense the beverage. 1a) and
Used raw materials removed from one or the mixing chamber (43) during beverage processing, eg, used raw material capsules (2), and / or one or from the mixing chamber (43) and / or one or Waste from the beverage processing line (43', 61), such as a waste receiver for collecting liquid residues from one or from the beverage outlet (43') through the dripping stop (15). Waste collector (65) for collecting, and
To prepare
The machine according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

Images